Movie Info

300

Prepare for Glory!

Frank Miller's epic tale of the Battle of Thermopylae, where 300 Spartans and other Greeks hold off a massive Persian army invading Greece, finally makes it to the silver screen. Miller's graphic novel was a tale of fantasy mixed with elements of reality. Yes, there was a Battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans and over 2000 other Greeks held the Persian army for days until all 300 Spartans and 700 Thespians battle to the death (holding the rear for the retreating Greeks).

Zack Snyder (Dawn of the Dead), took great lengths to mirror many scenes in the movie with those depicted in the graphic novel. Most of the movie was shot on green screen and the backgrounds digitally edited to bring about Frank Miller's vision. The end result is truly entertaining movie to watch and experience. I had the bonus of watching this movie on a digital screen.

The movie itself has large overtones about honour, bravery, the defense of freedom and lots and lots of violence. Miller's graphic novel stretches the truth at times and portrayed the Persians as slavers who were barbaric. This depiction has lead to many protests regarding the film. I really wish people would grow up and realize that this is a work of fiction based on some facts.

Gerald Butler did a superb job as King Leonidas, as did Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo). Most of the cast were not A-list stars, which, to me, was a good thing. The only recognizable face was David Wenham (Lord of the Rings, Van Helsing). This unknown cast allowed to storytelling to take centre stage. Snyder does a great job telling the story the way Frank Miller wanted to tell it. Snyder uses a lot of slow-motion effects, but it never seemed like an overkill (a la John Woo), but instead it really accented the fighting prowess of the Spartans.

I had previously read 300 but I have long since forgotten many elements of the graphic novel. However, it was clear to me that the movie was told just like a graphic novel. I have to dig out the original comic books, but some of the scenes from the movie are definitely the same as the graphic novel.

I've heard that viewers have been split regarding this movie. 300 is ultra-violent and I can see how it can turn off many viewers. There are also large overtones about honour, freedom, etc. Almost like a post 9/11 Bush speech. I barely listened at those parts. Instead I concentrated not on the message, but the overall movie experience. Yes, at times the movie was a little preachy, but that was just a minor annoyance.

Historically, many things were inaccurate, such as the Spartan armour, the depictions of the Persians, the exclusion of the other Greek soldiers, and the list goes on. Graphically? The rhinoceros was awesome. So were the Immortals and even the regular Persian troops. 300 delivered as an epic movie where entertainment and artistry blended together perfectly. If I wanted a historically accurate movie, I'd go watch the History Channel.

With its hardcore violence, I do not recommend this movie to people who hate the sight of blood, decapitations and dismembered limbs. If you don't mind these violent actions and want to see something different in the movie theatre, go see 300. At a time when many movies are cookie-cut and predictable, 300 has really brought back the entertainment.

Just a quick note: Frank Miller is two for two with Sin City and 300. Damn you Miller, go make more comic books!

Dragoncrypt - Monday, March 19, 2007